There’s no arguing that the 1990s were one of the golden eras of Saturday Night Live. This is all thanks to the new wave of comic talent bringing fresh energy to very sketch on this iconic series. Whether you’re talking physical performers, people from the world of sketch, or even stand up comedians, the cast members we’re talking about here all shaped the comedy landscape for years to come.
Known for his wild physical comedy and larger than life energy, Chris Farley is easily one of the most beloved members of the 90s cast. His most famous characters, Matt Foley, the motivational speaker who “lives in a van down by the river,” and Barney the Chippendale’s Dancer remain fan favorites. Farley’s commitment to throwing himself – literally – into his sketches made every moment he was on screen feel unpredictable.
Adam Sandler brought his own special blend of goofball humor and genuine charm to SNL. His heart-throb status coupled with his penchant for weird voices made him a must-see performer in the early 90s. Sure, he had characters like Opera Man, but Sandler soared with his performance of “The Chanukah Song.” Quirky and childlike, Sandler continues to make even the most absurd premises endearing.
Molly Shannon is electric every time she’s on screen. It’s no wonder that her time on SNL is remembered as an era of standout seasons. In each episode she brings an unhinged energy to her characters, especially Mary Katherine Gallagher, the overenthusiastic Catholic schoolgirl prone to awkward outbursts and massive physical blunders. Shannon’s boundary pushing performances showed that she could play with the boys while being a nuanced character actor.
With his dry wit and razor sharp sarcasm, David Spade made a nice little niche for himself as SNL’s resident snark monster. Spade’s most memorable segments on the show were “Hollywood Minute,” where he burned celebrities to the ground with his acerbic delivery, and the classic airline sketches where he coined his catchphrase, “Buh-bye.” Spade’s ability to make his characters deeply smug added an entirely different flavor to the more physical and over the top performers of guys like Sandler and Farley.
Will Ferrell’s arrival in the mid-90s introduced an entirely new brand of absurdist humor to SNL just as the early 90s boy’s club was coming to an end. Ferrell excels at sketches that let him pop off in whatever direction he pleases, whether it’s the over the top exuberance of his cheerleading character with Cheri Oteri to his definitive impersonation of George W. Bush. Ferrell can keep a straight face while being extremely silly, making him one of the most important assets to SNL as it entered the new millennium.
Known for his high energy physical comedy, Chris Kattan remains a staple of the late 90s SNL lineup. Mango, his character that drives men wild, and Mr. Peepers, an absurd half-monkey, were fan favorites that pushed the series beyond what fans expected. Many of Kattan’s characters were divisive, and that’s what makes him one of the most memorable cast members of the decade.
As the host of Weekend Update, Norm Macdonald’s dry, deadpan delivery turned the news into white-hot, anti-comedy. His no nonsense approach showed both his willingness to take risks with controversial takes that set him apart from his peers. Audiences either loved or hated his sharp, biting humor, turning the long-running Weekend Update segment into a tense comedic affair during his time on the show. Macdonald’s refusal to hold back, even if it meant clasing with the network, proved his reputation as one of the most uncompromising comedians of the era.
Cheri Oteri’s manic energy quickly made her a standout on SNL in the late 90s. Her chemistry with fellow barn burner Will Ferrell in sketches like “The Spartan Cheerleaders” was incredible. By the end of her tenure on the show she was known for her full commitment to any role, no matter how ridiculous.
A key player in the late 90s, Ana Gasteyer’s versatile presence makes her a jewel in the SNL crown to this day. Often more subtle than her peers, Gasteyer’s sharp wit and unique sense of timing made every sketch in which she appeared feel vital. Her ability to blend into a wide range of roles, both straight and incredibly weird, made her an indispensable party of the show’s evolution in the 90s.
Tim Meadows holds the distinction of being one of the longest running cast members of the 90s. During his time on the show he was not only a steady presence playing straight man to performers like Adam Sandler and Chris Farley. Best known for his smooth talking radio host character, “The Ladies Man,” he had no problems leaning into the outlandish nature of the late night show. By the end of his time on SNL, Meadows proved himself vital to the success of the long-running series.